Definition: For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 19:20 together. It's a pretty intense and important verse in the Bible! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes after David has been captured by the Philistines and is being held captive in their city. He’s feeling incredibly remorseful because he’s committed a serious sin – he's confessed his sins to God. He's essentially admitting to his wrongdoing. Let’s unpack it: “For thy servant doth know that I have sinned…” - David is acknowledging that he has made a mistake, something he regrets. It’s like saying, “I messed up.” “…therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.” – This is the key part. “The house of Joseph” refers to the royal family of Israel. David is saying that he’s coming to the king (the ruler) to confess his sins and seek forgiveness. He’s going to the King as a sign of repentance and humility. What does this all mean? It's about admitting guilt: David is taking responsibility for his actions, which is crucial in the Bible. It’s about seeking forgiveness: The verse shows that he's not just dwelling on his mistake but actively trying to make amends and ask for God's mercy. It’s a moment of humility: David is showing a deep recognition of his own fallibility – the idea that everyone makes mistakes. In short, it’s a powerful expression of repentance and a plea for forgiveness. It’s a significant moment in David’s story, highlighting his willingness to turn away from wrongdoing and seek God's favor. Does this explanation help you understand the verse better? Would you like me to: Explain a specific part in more detail? Discuss its significance within the larger context of the Old Testament?